Agriculture diversification moves forward
Georgetown , GINA, January 9, 2008
Significant achievements were made through the Ministry of Agriculture to ensure that its mandate for 2007 was attained, particularly as it related to improving services offered to farmers to support further agricultural development.
Non-Traditional Crops and Agricultural Diversification
The non-traditional crops sector recoded increased exports and introduced several new crops to the overseas markets, especially in North America.
Another notable activity in this area was the start of construction of the $89M packaging and storage facility at Parika to boost the non-traditional crops sector, to increase exports and promote more value-added products.
Efforts to encourage advanced agricultural diversification continued with various initiatives, some of which were guided by the Ministerial Advisory Committee on Diversification set up following the Agricultural Diversification Summit hosted in December 2006.
Approval of the US$21M Agricultural Diversification Initiative and the US$6M Rural Enterprise Agricultural Development (READ) Project is another major success for the Ministry since these projects will add to ongoing diversification activities.
Improved Services to Farmers
Services offered by the Ministry were reviewed and various adjustments made to ensure more opportunities for agricultural stakeholders and to promote a more business-like approach to support further profitability of their activities.
The extension services programme was revamped with new initiatives that included training of farmers/residents as extension agents, development of a Farmers’ Manual as a form of technical assistance, and establishment of several information technology (IT) centres.
A marketing centre was established at the New Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) to assist farmers, exporters, processors and others with pertinent information.
In an effort to ensure the safe use of pesticides and toxic chemicals, amendments to the existing Act were pursued while construction of the laboratory at Mon Repos was completed and is awaiting installation of equipment.
Livestock and Poultry
One of the main activities pursued in 2007 was improved breeding stocks through which several animal breeds were imported and farms were developed by private investors with support from the Agriculture Ministry.
Other activities were done through the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) to ensure that improved breeds of animals are made available to farmers while investments were made to establish new pastures.
Regulations were updated to address the sale of chicken and the quality of feed available to farmers to guide development in the poultry sector. These regulations are being implemented and necessary monitoring is being done.
Attention was given to animal health and safety through increased surveillance for Foot and Mouth Disease at all ports of entry and Avian Influenza (Bird Flu). A simulation exercise for Bird Flu was successfully conducted at Laluni to ensure Guyana is adequately equipped to deal with a possible outbreak of the disease
Avian Influenza Simulation Exercise - August 8, 2007
Fisheries
Among the main achievements in this sector were completion of the Fisheries Management Plan (FMP) that outlines strategies to develop the various sub-sectors and re-activation of the Fisheries Advisory Committee (FAC) that advises on the sector’s continued growth.
Additionally, new initiatives were pursued to tackle piracy including strong collaboration with fishermen’s cooperative societies and law enforcement agencies. Two boats and engines were purchased by the Ministry to assist with patrols while, through the intervention of President Bharrat Jagdeo, $5M was made available to initiate an Anti-Piracy Revolving Fund.
The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) secured an additional $15M to set up a modern communication system with heightened efforts by the GDF, especially the Coastguard, in dealing with piracy.
To further boost the aquaculture industry, the Ministry continued providing support to the National Aquaculture Association of Guyana (NAAG) and began construction of a new hatchery at Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara. 
Minister Persaud with fishermen at a Georgetown fisheries operations
Forestry
Of significance in this sector was the passing of the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) Bill as part of efforts to modernise the entity’s operations and continue the sector’s continued growth.
Several regulations were promoted for improved wood processing standards and procedures while countrywide sensitisation seminars were held to ensure that stakeholders are aware of the regulations.
Focus continued on the promotion of lesser-known species to reduce dependency on popular wood types while other activities were taken to boost monitoring and management of the sector.
Rice
Exports of rice recorded the highest in the last decade despite production being affected by inclement weather and increased costs of fertilizers, spare parts for machinery and fuel.
Government’s intervention to deal with the rising production cost resulted in the removal of Valued Added Tax (VAT) from fertilizers and spare parts for machinery used in the rice industry. Additionally, the Excise Tax on fuel was reduced.
Other major achievements to boost the rice industry included launching of a $1B financial facility that provides loans to rice stakeholders at reduced interest rates, major waters works in Region Two and provision of improved extension and research development services.
Additionally, seed paddy plants were commissioned at Leguan and Crane while construction of another at Black Bush Polder commenced.
Sugar
Although the sugar industry was affected by several major challenges, the new factory at Skeldon advanced as the diesel generators of the co-generation plant were commissioned.
Additionally, a lot of emphasis was placed on accelerating work on the agricultural component of the Skeldon Modernisation Project (SSMP) and on upgrading of various factories particularly the plant at Enmore to accommodate establishment of a packaging facility.
Climate Change
During 2007, the National Climate Unit and National Climate Change Committee and an additional 35 monitoring stations were established in the country. Focus was placed on capacity building in the respective agencies to meet the commitments of the Kyoto Protocol and Bali Road Map.
Guyana was also represented at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of Parties (CoP) meeting in Bali, Indonesia, which focused on initiatives to tackle climate change globally.
Drainage and Irrigation
To combat the effects of climate change, approximately $2.2B was invested through the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority, the Mahaica, Mahaicony, Abary Agricultural Development Authority and the various Regional Administrations to improve drainage and irrigation in several areas.
Some of the activities undertaken were the purchase of more equipment such as pumps and excavators, clearing of various canals and outfalls channels, construction/heightening of embankments and rehabilitation/reactivation of structures such as sluices and kokers.
Long boom excavator at work at Mon Repos,ECD
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